Los Angeles Lakers Were Smart To Keep Robert Sacre

By Brendan Patel

Kelley L. Cox – USA TODAY Sports

When the Los Angeles Lakers decided to offer Robert Sacre a contract, extending him until 2016, many individuals were perplexed. Sacre was a late second-round pick who showed a limited offensive game and probably would not have made most rosters around the league. He struggled to keep up with players defensively, and it seemed as if he wouldn’t be around for much longer.

But Sacre has continued to improve, and is now a valuable asset on the roster, proving that he was worth the contract.

Sacre has shown that he can be a reliable big man coming off of the bench. He might not play big minutes, but is effective in limited situations. He plays hard on defense and does well rotating off the ball. He is not afraid to be physical, and will make sure opponents get no easy shots going to the rim. He is always challenging shots, and averages almost a block a game. This toughness is important on any team, and it rubs off on the players around him.

His offensive game has improved immensely since entering the league. He is quietly developing a mid-range shot, and is gaining more confidence with his post moves. He battles for offensive rebounds, and is able to draw fouls through hard work. He may not ever be a dominant offensive player, but he is still able to find ways to contribute.

Sacre is also a very positive presence in the locker room. He is well-liked by all of his teammates and is willing to stand up for them. His intensity is appreciated on and off the court, and it encourages the team to work harder. The Lakers were smart to keep Sacre on the roster. They signed him for a reasonable contract and are invested in his future. If he continues to work hard and develop his game, he should see see more minutes next season.